The Final Frontier Podcast

Arete Media

Welcome to The Final Frontier! Every week Jake and Justin watch an episode of Star Trek starting from the very beginning and dive deep into the behind the scenes, commentary and love of the franchise. Join us on our weekly mission to explore the final frontier!

  1. 1D AGO

    The Final Frontier Season 2, Episode 20: Old Balls

    🌍 - Vacations that make a difference: https://www.globeaware.org/ 📺 - Dutton Ranch only on Paramount+ this May: https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/5940... 💻 - Visit our website: https://aretemedia.org/ What happens when ancient, godlike aliens ask to borrow your body… and you actually say yes? In this episode of the Final Frontier Podcast, we break down Star Trek: The Original Series episode “Return to Tomorrow”—an episode packed with big sci-fi ideas, ethical dilemmas, and… some seriously questionable decisions. From mind transfers and android bodies to consent, trust, and betrayal, this one gives us a LOT to unpack—even if not all of it lands. We dig into Sargon and his mysterious race, the logic (and lack thereof) behind their plan, and whether this episode actually says something meaningful about humanity—or just spins its wheels. There’s debate over the twist, McCoy stepping up as the moral compass, and one of the strangest “nothing really happened but everything happened” endings in Trek history. And of course, we can’t help but get sidetracked into everything from parallel evolution and space travel theories to classic Trek quirks, questionable science, and the ever-present question: 👉 Should you ever let an alien wear you like a meat suit? If you love Star Trek, deep dives, and unfiltered conversations that mix humor with real analysis—this episode is for you. #startrek #tos #ReturnToTomorrow #finalfrontierpodcast #scifi #StarTrekAnalysis #podcast #ClassicTrek #spaceexploration #nerdculture #aretemedia #startrektos

    1h 20m

  2. 3D AGO

    The Final Frontier Season 2, Episode 19: A Problematic Big War Metaphor

    🦇 - Get your owl boxes BUY 1 GET 1 50% OFF: https://big-bat-box.pxf.io/c/5940107/... ⛰️ - Get a mountain of entertainment on Paramount+: https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/5940... What happens when Star Trek stops being subtle… and starts calling out real-world war directly? In this episode of the Final Frontier Podcast, we break down A Private Little War—one of the most politically charged episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series. Unlike the usual Cold War allegories, this one doesn’t hide behind metaphor. Kirk straight-up references 20th-century conflicts in Southeast Asia, making this episode feel less like sci-fi… and more like commentary ripped from the headlines. But as bold as the message is, this episode comes with baggage. From questionable decisions and uncomfortable themes to some truly wild production choices (yes… we’re talking about those leather pants), there’s a lot to unpack. And of course, we can’t ignore the Mugato—one of the strangest creatures in Trek history… and yes, we absolutely make the Zoolander comparison. Is this episode a powerful anti-war statement? Or does it stumble under the weight of its own execution? Watch as we dive deep into the themes, the controversy, and the legacy of one of TOS’s most debated episodes. #startrek #tos #finalfrontierpodcast #scifianalysis #coldwar #vietnamwar #startrektos #classictv #geekculture #podcast #aretemedia #trekkie #trekkies

    1h 1m

  3. APR 14

    The Final Frontier Season 2, Episode 18: Borophyll

    🎵 - https://cdzcollegiummusica.org/ 🎤 - Check out Valaina 💻 - Visit our website: https://aretemedia.org/ 🚀 - Check out Steven Shives on YouTube: ‪@SteveShives‬ 🦠 - Is Star Trek: The Original Series ever… dull? In this episode of the Final Frontier Podcast, we take a deep dive into “The Immunity Syndrome”—an episode that somehow manages to combine confusing science, questionable logic, and pacing that might put even Spock to sleep. From a galaxy-killing space amoeba to moments that leave us wondering what the writers were thinking, we break down why this episode just doesn’t hit the mark. And yes… we said it: “Chlorophyll? More like BOROPHYLL.” When even James T. Kirk and Leonard McCoy can’t save the momentum, you know you’re in for a rough ride. Is there anything redeemable here, or is this one of the rare TOS misfires? We’re boldly going where few reviews dare to go, calling out the strange science, the dragging plot, and the moments that almost work… but don’t quite get there. If you’re a Star Trek fan, a sci-fi junkie, or just love a brutally honest breakdown of classic TV, this episode is for you. #startrek #theoriginalseries #finalfrontierpodcast #scifireview #startrektos #podcast #aretemedia #tos #spock #captainkirk #trekkie #rekkies

    46 min

  4. APR 10

    The Final Frontier Season 2, Episode 17: The Enterprise Connection

    🚀 - Enjoy a mountain of entertainment with Paramount+: https://paramountplus.qflm.net/GKnjLL 🚀 - Huge spring savings on your brand new lightsaber: https://lightsabercom.sjv.io/c/594010... 🚀 - Help Wild Education find a permanent home: https://www.gofundme.com/f/find-wild-... In this episode of the Final Frontier Podcast, we dive into one of the wildest—and most entertaining—episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series: A Piece of the Action. Yes… this is the one where an entire planet builds its society based on 1920s Chicago gangsters. It’s chaotic. It’s ridiculous. And somehow—it works. Kind of. From questionable decisions by Starfleet to hilariously bad accents, this episode is packed with moments that make you ask, “What were they thinking?” But at the same time… it’s impossible not to enjoy. And of course, we have to talk about Spock in a fedora. Because once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Is this episode a total misfire… or a misunderstood classic? We break it all down, from the absurd premise to the surprisingly clever moments hidden underneath the chaos. If you love classic Trek, strange storytelling swings, or just want to see the Enterprise crew try to out-hustle space gangsters—this one’s for you. #startrek #tos #finalfrontierpodcast #scifi #classictv #captainkirk #spock #podcast #aretemedia #startrektos #trekkie #trekkies

    57 min

  5. MAR 28

    The Final Frontier Season 2, Episode 16: Lady Gaga in Space

    📺 - Enjoy a mountain of entertainment with Paramount+: https://paramountplus.qflm.net/GKnjLL 🌍 - Vacations that make a difference: https://www.globeaware.org/ What starts as a classic Star Trek: The Original Series adventure quickly turns into one of the weirdest episodes in the franchise. This week on The Final Frontier, we’re breaking down The Gamesters of Triskelion — an episode that dances around the concept of slavery… until James T. Kirk just straight-up says it. From bizarre gladiator games and glowing “Providers” to some very questionable racial optics, this one is a true roller coaster. We also get into: The strange morality play at the heart of the episode The infamous “colored brains” twist (yes… really) One unforgettable guest star who looks suspiciously like Lady Gaga And why this episode is both fascinating… and deeply uncomfortable Is this a hidden gem, or one of TOS’s most problematic outings? We’re going there. If you love deep dives into classic sci-fi, unfiltered commentary, and breaking down the good, the bad, and the what were they thinking, you’re in the right place. #startrek #tos #scifipodcast #finalfrontierpodcast #startrektos #classictv #aretemedia #finalfrontierpodcast

    58 min

  6. MAR 12

    The Final Frontier Season 2, Episode 15: Spock, Get Those Tribbles Out of Your Pants

    📺 - Get all your Star Trek and more on Paramount+: https://paramountplus.qflm.net/GKnjLL 🌐 - Build your podcast/media website with Beamly: https://beamly.com?via=jake77 What makes The Trouble With Tribbles one of the most beloved episodes in all of Star Trek: The Original Series? In this episode of The Final Frontier Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Eric from the Average Intelligence Podcast to revisit this iconic classic and unpack why it still holds up decades later. From the episode’s hilarious chaos and lasting cultural impact to the actors who later returned in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, we explore the legacy of the galaxy’s most adorable menace—and create a wild metal band inspired by the episode along with what might be the greatest meta joke in all of Star Trek. If you love classic Trek, tribbles, and deep-dive discussions into the moments that shaped the franchise, you won’t want to miss this hilarious episode of The Final Frontier Podcast. #StarTrek #TheTroubleWithTribbles #StarTrekTOS #DeepSpaceNine #SciFiPodcast

    1h 32m

  7. FEB 28

    The Final Frontier Podcast Season 2, Episode 14: Scotty Doesn't Know

    🤘 - Check out ‪Valaina 📺 - Get all your Star Trek in one place: https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/5940... This week on The Final Frontier Podcast, we revisit Star Trek: The Original Series (Season 2, Episode 14) — “Wolf in the Fold” — the episode that somehow decides, “You know what this show needs?” JACK THE RIPPER… in SPACE. We break down everything that makes this one a weirdly entertaining (and occasionally problematic) TOS entry: the “pleasure planet” vibes, the unintentionally hilarious moments, and the absolutely wild turn where Scotty gets framed in a locked-room murder mystery that escalates into a full-on non-corporeal entity feeding on fear. Highlights include: -Why “Star Trek has gone woke” is a hilarious take (have you watched Star Trek… ever?) -The Argelius nightclub cold open (strip club? brothel? yes) -Scotty as the prime suspect in a “Jack the Ripper style” case -he prosecutor who is also the voice of Piglet (and once you hear it, you can’t unhear it) -How much sexism is too much sexism? If you love classic Trek, TOS deep dives, and laughing at the moments where 1967 television absolutely swings for the fences, you’ll have a blast with this one. ✅ Subscribe for more Star Trek episode breakdowns, lore, trivia, and no-holds-barred reviews from across the final frontier. #startrek #tos #WolfInTheFold #finalfrontierpodcast #scotty #startrekpodcast #startrektos #spock #captainkirk #bones #paramountplus #aretemedia

    57 min

  8. FEB 24

    The Final Frontier Podcast Season 2, Episode 13: Man Yells at Cloud

    🏔️ - Get ALL your Star Trek on Paramount+: https://paramountplus.qflm.net/GKnjLL 📖 - Check out ‪Literature & Lingerie Bold captains, deadly clouds, and a redshirt who survives?! 🚀 This week on The Final Frontier Podcast, we dive deep into the Star Trek: The Original Series episode “Obsession.” What starts as Captain Kirk spiraling into a personal vendetta — practically channeling Captain Ahab — turns into one of the most surprising reversals in TOS when his instincts prove terrifyingly correct. We break down: • Why Kirk’s obsession feels uncomfortable… but necessary • The return of another cloud-based lifeform — and why this one is pure hunter, not diplomat • The psychology of command decisions under trauma • A rare moment: a redshirt actually lives (while plenty don’t 😬) • How this episode quietly reshapes the “Kirk is reckless” myth “Obsession” isn’t just a monster-of-the-week story — it’s a character study about memory, guilt, and command responsibility in deep space. Join us as we revisit one of TOS’s most intense encounters and ask: Was Kirk out of control… or the only sane man on the bridge? Listen now and explore the philosophy, lore, and legacy of Star Trek every week on The Final Frontier Podcast. #startrek #tos #captainkirk #scifipodcast #startrekpodcast #theoriginalseries #startrektos #aretemedia

    57 min
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Welcome to The Final Frontier! Every week Jake and Justin watch an episode of Star Trek starting from the very beginning and dive deep into the behind the scenes, commentary and love of the franchise. Join us on our weekly mission to explore the final frontier!

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